News Release

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Emergency Departments Discontinue Influenza Overflow Flu Clinics

CHATHAM-KENT:  Due to low volumes at the Chatham and Sydenham Emergency Departments, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN) have decided to discontinue the “influenza overflow” flu clinics. 

These clinics were created in the past week because the demand for primary care services for influenza in Chatham-Kent was heightened.   An alternative model for influenza assessment, treatment and referral, the clinics were intended to temporarily address the increases in patients seeking care in the Emergency Departments at both sites for influenza-like illness as well as, help reduce wait times for patients with symptoms of influenza.

Beginning immediately, in conjunction with the Erie St. Clair LHIN, the flu clinics have been discontinued.

Emergency treatment is recommended as follows:

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

CKHA's Pandemic Steering Committee meets twice weekly and monitors indicators such as ED volumes, in-patient volumes, and staff absenteeism.  The committee will evaluate and communicate any adjustments as might be necessary to the Flu Clinic hours or services.

For more information about CKHA's infection control measures, please visit www.ckha.on.ca. Click on Patients and Family, then on Infection Control.

For more information about influenza, see these links:

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

http://www.ckha.on.ca/Site_Published/internet/PF_InfectionPrevention.aspx

Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit

http://www.chatham-kent.ca/community+services/Public+Health/Health+Home.htm

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care         

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ccom/flu/

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Gary Tithecott, Chief of Staff

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

(519) 352-6401, ext  6311